Of all the things we’re used to buying online, luxury watches and fine jewellery sit fairly far down the list, and it’s not hard to imagine why. Nobody wants to give up on the whole buying experience.
Stepping through those gilt doors, enjoying the complimentary champagne or coffee, bantering with the sales manager whom you’ve known for years maybe. And feeling your pulse rate intensify when that beautiful timepiece you’ve been eyeing for months finally sits on your wrist.
Then, walking out the door with a glossy paper bag in hand and spring in step, chin lifted two centimetres higher? How could we be blamed for not wanting to forgo all of that?
Although now with the circuit breaker measures in place, it’s no longer a matter of choice. But if you really think about it, haven’t we already been thoroughly trained up for online retail experiences versus the brick-and-mortar variety?
Over the past 20 years at least, everything we need and want could be delivered digitally. At first through our computers and then just as swiftly through our phones.
So how could we be anything but ready for a full luxury experience online? If you’ve ever bought a $5,000 bag or dress or suit online, then whether you know it or not, you are ready for luxury watches or jewellery.
And may we add, because of Covid-19, some of the most traditional watch brands in the world have begun to take their business online. Patek Philippe, for instance, has allowed retailers in the UK to sell its watches via e-commerce.
With complimentary express delivery island-wide, complimentary personalisation and gift wrapping, plus easy returns, now’s the best time to bag that shiny new timepiece you’ve always wanted.
But if you’re still hankering after an offline luxury experience, you could always join the brand’s VIP club to stay in the know and get invites to members-only events. After we’re out of Covid-19 of course.
Here are the best sites to visit and what’s good to buy.
Bulgari
Very thoughtfully, Bulgari introduces a new payment method called CosmoPay where you can complete the purchase via a secure personalised link. How? Though simple instant messaging with one of its client advisors.
Shop these pieces and more on Bulgari's website here.
Louis Vuitton
Expect same day or next day contactless delivery via the “White Glove Service” managed by a dedicated team. A variety of personalisation services such as hot stamping and engraving are also available online.
Shop these pieces and more on the Louis Vuitton Singapore website.
Cartier
All items are individually gift wrapped in the maison’s signature white paper sealed with molten wax. Cartier takes care to protect your personal information, and uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption on all web pages where personal information is collected.
Shop these pieces and more on the Cartier website.
Montblanc
Free international express shipping, check. Complimentary personalisation, check. Free gift wrapping, check. Easy returns, check. It's literally signed, sealed, and delivered to your doorstep.
Click here to go straight to the Montblanc international site.
Looking for a multi-brand selection? Consider these options.
Cortina Watch
Although slight delays in delivery are to be expected, you could access a range of online exclusives created by the world’s top brands for Cortina Watch Singapore. Move fast though, they sell out quick.
Browse the full selection on the Cortina Watch online shop.
Sincere Watch
Again, delays to be expected because of Covid-19. But here’s some good news: sign up for their newsletter to get 10 per cent off your first order.
Visit the Sincere online store here.
Watchbox
Always a great option for pre-owned timepieces, WatchBox is ultra-responsive. You could chat up someone from the team any day of the week, any time of the day.
Then of course there are the fashion and luxury e-tail stalwarts Net-a-porter and Farfetch which need no introduction because you’re probably an EIP member already. So go forth and procure the watch of your dreams.
